At Karen Western Elementary in the Ralston district, Principal Andrew Mather says the key to the school's attendance improvements has been simple: building strong, supportive relationships with students and families.Â
Emma Arnold, right, helps first grader Adalynn Foral-Verley with an assignment at Karen Western Elementary. Principal Andrew Mather said the commitment of all teachers and staff members has been central to the school's attendance improvements.Â
Kindergartner Milabelle Sindelar raises her hand during class at Karen Western Elementary. Of the schools in the Ralston district, Karen Western has seen some of the largest improvements in attendance over the past five school years.Â
Photos: Partnership mentality drives attendance gains at elementary in Ralston district
Kindergarten teacher Kaylie Krist asks her students a question at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
A sign keeps track of attendance in kindergarten teacher Kaylie Kristat Karen's classroom at Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Backpacks hung up at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Kindergartner Milabelle Sindelar raises her hand at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Teacher McKenzie Caniglia writes on a. screen at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Emma Arnold, right, helps Adalynn Foral-Verley with an assignment at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
A tray holding pencils sits on a desk at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
A student glues at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Richelle Barragan teaches a lesson at Karen Western Elementary located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
CHRIS MACHIAN, THE WORLD-HERALD
Karen Western Elementary is located at 6224 H St, in Omaha, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
Kindergartner Milabelle Sindelar raises her hand during class at Karen Western Elementary. Of the schools in the Ralston district, Karen Western has seen some of the largest improvements in attendance over the past five school years.Â
Emma Arnold, right, helps first grader Adalynn Foral-Verley with an assignment at Karen Western Elementary. Principal Andrew Mather said the commitment of all teachers and staff members has been central to the school's attendance improvements.Â
